
What Children Are Really Telling Us Through Play with Dr. Rachel Altvater
From Practical Parenting by GBMC HealthCare
January 9, 2026 · 47 min · Season 2 · Episode 14
About this episode
This episode explores how children communicate through play with psychologist Dr. Rachel Altvater.
Play is fun, but it's also how children communicate. In this episode, we are joined by psychologist and play therapy expert Dr. Rachel Altvater to explore what kids express through play and why it’s such a powerful therapeutic tool. From understanding play themes and symbolic behavior to learning why children need control, autonomy, and emotional safety, this conversation helps parents see play as a window into their child’s internal world. Dr. Altvater practices at Creative Psychological Hea...
People in this episode
Guest: Dr. Rachel Altvater
Topics covered
- play therapy
- child communication
- emotional safety
- parenting
- psychology
Keywords
- play
- children
- therapy
- psychologist
- communication
- autonomy
- emotional safety
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Creative Psychological Health
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